10:49am Friday 9th May 2008
By Victoria Ashford
CONTROVERSIAL plans allowing a takeaway in Warminster to open until 5am at the weekend has prompted concern from the community.
The Wiltshire Times reported in February that Subway was due to take over premises in High Street, creating 12 full and part time jobs, but there are fears plans for extended opening times could lead to problems in the town centre.
The franchisees, who opened the branch on Wednesday, are in talks with West Wiltshire District Council's licensing department for a permit allowing them to open until 3am on weekdays and 5am at weekends.
In a letter addressed to Warminster Town Council, concerned landlord Graham Read, who owns 25 flats in the town, expressed his concerns over the licence bid.
He said: "A takeaway opening until these hours will attract a lot of late-night revellers from the local pubs.
"The noise and commotion caused by people using the takeaway particularly in the summer months will seriously disrupt the sleep of innocent residents."
Although Mr Read lives in Longbridge Deverill, he is concerned for his tenants who have reported problems in High Street on previous occasions. He said: "There are always people hanging about and shouting and squabbling in the street. Everyone wants to go out but there is a time when people want to go to sleep."
Tony Nicklin, president of the Warminster Chamber of Commerce, added: "I think it is ridiculous to think that people want to go for a cold sandwich at 3am in the week and 5am at the weekend. I'm totally against it."
The licence application is still in the consultation phase, which will end on May 21.
A spokesman for the district council's licensing committee said: "Subway have applied for a licence to provide late night refreshments from 11pm to 3am Sunday to Thursday and from 11pm to 5am Fridays and Saturdays.
"This licence would not necessarily mean they will choose to operate at those hours and it doesn't allow them to serve alcohol."
The issue will be discussed at Warminster Town Council's planning advisory committee at Dewey House, North Row, on Monday.
A spokesman from Subway said: "Our late licence application covers the provision of hot food and beverages after 11pm. Most of our menu range isn't subject to any late licencing restrictions and so in practical terms this will enable us to sell coffee and toasted Subs after 11pm.
"With the measures that we have in place for the control of noise and litter we are confident that our application will be viewed favourably by the council and we look forward to bringing further job opportunities to Warminster."
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